Four Conditions That Seem Harmless but Can Be Precursors to Can.cer

These conditions may be early warning signs of cancer. Doctors warn that they should never be taken lightly.

One of the most concerning aspects of cancer in Vietnam is late detection, which leads to poor treatment outcomes. Cancer-related deaths reach about 120,000 cases per year. Therefore, according to Dr. Nguyễn Đức Hiếu (Hùng Vương Hospital), early recognition of seemingly “minor” conditions with malignant potential can help patients avoid missing the golden window for screening and timely intervention.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral disease and the most common among all types of viral hepatitis. Surveys in Vietnam show that about 10–20% of the population is infected with the hepatitis B virus, with around 5 million people suffering from chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

Hepatitis B often progresses silently, with very subtle and hard-to-detect symptoms. It is estimated that up to 90% of people with hepatitis B are unaware of their condition.

If hepatitis B is left undiagnosed and untreated, the virus attacks healthy liver cells, leading to cell death, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver cancer.

Polyps
Polyps are lesions that resemble tumors but are not true tumors. They are formed by the overgrowth of the mucosal lining or submucosal tissue. Most polyps are benign, but some have the potential to become malignant.

Recent studies show that inflammatory and hyperplastic polyps have a negligible risk of becoming cancerous. However, adenomatous polyps are different.

Adenomatous polyps have a high potential to develop into cancer. The larger the polyp, the greater the risk of malignant transformation.

Peptic Ulcers (Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers)
Peptic ulcers include various types such as gastric ulcers, esophageal ulcers, and duodenal bulb ulcers. Although they may seem like common digestive disorders, they carry a hidden risk of cancer.

In patients who continue unhealthy habits such as eating spicy foods, drinking alcohol, or overeating, the mucosal lining is repeatedly damaged and becomes more susceptible to infection with Helicobacter pylori. Chronic inflammation can then invade cells, increasing the risk of cancer.

Breast Hyperplasia
Breast hyperplasia is common across many age groups, especially among women aged 30–50. It is neither inflammation nor a tumor, but rather an excessive increase in the number of breast gland cells within a certain area.

This condition often causes persistent breast tightness and discomfort, with pain that worsens around the menstrual cycle.

However, one form of breast hyperplasia must never be ignored because it can lead to cancer: atypical breast hyperplasia.

Women with atypical breast hyperplasia have a risk of developing breast cancer that is four times higher than those without the condition.

This type often has no clear signs or symptoms and is usually detected only through breast biopsy or imaging results.

Therefore, if any abnormal changes are noticed in the breast area, medical examination should be sought as early as possible.